Southampton news: Expert issues ‘100%’ James Ward-Prowse claim after ‘brilliant’ development
Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse will be “firmly in the mind of Gareth Southgate” ahead of this year’s World Cup, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, drew parallels between the 27-year-old and England icon David Beckham.
Ward-Prowse secured a point for Southampton against the Whites on Saturday (2 April) with a stunning free-kick to level the game at 1-1.
As per Opta (2 April), only Beckham (18) has now scored more free-kicks than Ward-Prowse (13) in Premier League history.
The 10-cap England international, who is contracted until 2026, has notched eight goals and seven assists in 34 games this term.
Whelan insisted the midfielder is “no one-trick pony” despite his set-piece prowess.
“That sort of ability is something which has always been so valuable, it’s brilliant,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“Look at David Beckham, how many times he was able to dig England out of a hole with his set-pieces.
“As soon as Southampton won that free-kick, you just knew he was going to step up and score. He couldn’t have put it in a better place – it was right in that postage stamp.
“I absolutely believe he will be firmly in the mind of Gareth Southgate ahead of this World Cup, 100%. That sort of ability from set-pieces can win and lose you football matches.
“But it’s not only that, he’s a cracking midfield player as well. He puts in the hard yards, he dictates play – he’s no one-trick pony.”
Ward-Prowse earned his most recent Three Lions cap against Ivory Coast during last month’s international break.
He has netted 37 goals in 297 appearances for Southampton.
In other news, ex-Fifa official savages Kyle Walker-Peters claim – “abject nonsense”.